GeoLog

What’s on at EGU25: highlights from Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee

What’s on at EGU25: highlights from Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee

There are so many great events to participate in at EGU25 this year, in both on-site and virtual formats, that it can be very easy to feel overwhelmed. Whilst we encourage you to make good use of your Personal Programme to help organise your activities, we also reached out to several of EGU’s Committees that are responsible for specific other aspects of EGU’s activities, including the Education and Outreach Committees, the Publications Committee, the Early Career Scientists (ECS), Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) working group and the Science for Policy working group, to ask them for their recommendations as to what not to miss during EGU25!


Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee

The EDI Committee is a very active group of mostly volunteers who give generously of their time, experience and ideas to help EGU work towards becoming a more inclusive organisation. Started in late 2018, the group has already achieved a lot behind the scenes and publicly, including adding the new EDI logo to sessions that meet our minimum diversity guidelines, that you will see on sessions during the General Assembly. The group is currently co-chaired by Lisa Wingate and Daniel Conley, and has 14 additional members, as well as co-ordinating with representatives from our sibling societies. For more information, read their webpage here.

What’s on: EDI Committee

This year, the EDI Committee is introducing a new interactive concept at our EDI Booth: the EGU Inclusivity Tree! This vibrant tree is designed for participants to contribute their thoughts, reflections, and hopes around equity, diversity, and inclusion—written on colourful paper garlands provided at the booth. Whether it’s a message of support, a vision for a more inclusive scientific community, or simply a word that makes you feel seen—you’re invited to hang it on the tree and help it bloom throughout the week.

At a time when both EDI efforts and science itself are facing increasing pushback globally, the Inclusivity Tree is more than just a visual display—it’s a living reminder of the collective strength, care, and solidarity within our community. It stands as a symbol of resistance, resilience, and the power of inclusive science to drive meaningful change.

We believe that creating space for all voices—especially those historically excluded—is essential not just for fairness, but for better, richer, and more impactful science. Come share your voice, read what others have shared, and take a moment to reflect.

Throughout the week, we’ll be running interactive quiz games at the booth (we will use an online platform and you can join without signing up, just by scanning the QR code or using the link)—test your knowledge, challenge a friend, and learn something new about EDI along the way! Bonus: Winners will receive EGU Pride merch as a fun and colourful reward.

Whether you’re new to EGU or a long-time attendee, the EDI Booth is a space for everyone, with one goal in mind: growing this tree together—one message, one moment, one movement at a time.


Can’t-miss EDI sessions and events at EGU25

🟣 EDI Reception
Monday, 28 April | 18:00–19:00 CEST | Rooftop Foyer
Join other attendees committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion at this informal networking event. Hosted by the EDI Committee, it’s a great way to connect, share ideas, and unwind after the first day of the conference.
Convener: Lisa Wingate

🟣 Pride & Allies Reception
Wednesday, 30 April | 18:00–19:30 CEST | Rooftop Foyer
This informal social event is for LGBTQIA+ attendees and allies to connect, reflect, and celebrate community. Whether you’re looking to meet others, find support, or simply enjoy a friendly space after a day of sessions, this gathering is for you.
Conveners: Anita Di Chiara & Michael Prior-Jones

🟣 Diverse & Rising Geoscientists Networking Event
Thursday, 01 May | 18:00–19:30 CEST | Rooftop Foyer
This new event aims to foster genuine connections across generations, career stages, and underrepresented backgrounds in geoscience. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your journey, come meet others building inclusive pathways in the geosciences.
Conveners: Lisa Wingate & Asmae Ourkiya

🟣 SC1.8: Academic Activism for Urgent Climate Action – How to Get Started?
Monday, 28 April | 19:00–20:00 CEST | Room -2.82
This short course addresses the growing interest among academics in contributing to climate activism. It provides practical tools for organising campaigns, mobilising peers, and dealing with activist burnout—all with an eye on justice, mental health, and institutional change.
Convener: Karsten Haustein
Co-conveners: Marthe Wens (ECS), Sylvain Kuppel
Session details

🟣 SC1.3: The LGBT Pride Group at EGU – Progress, Challenges, and Visibility in the Geosciences
Tuesday, 29 April | 16:15–18:00 CEST | Room -2.62
This short course explores the challenges LGBTQIA+ geoscientists face in academia, especially in fieldwork and international mobility. Participants will also discuss visibility, safety, allyship, and the role of workplace culture in supporting queer scientists.
Convener: Bene Aschenneller (ECS)
Co-conveners: Michael Prior-Jones, Pauline Gayrin (ECS), Marek Muchow, Felix Müller (ECS), Hannah Sophia Davies (ECS), Anita Di Chiara
Session details

🟣 Promoting and Supporting Inclusive Excellence in the Geosciences (EOS3.1)
Orals: Thursday, 01 May | 10:45–12:30 CEST | Room -2.21
Posters: Thursday, 01 May | 14:00–15:45 CEST | Hall X1
This session—co-organised by multiple divisions and co-sponsored by AGU and JpGU—brings together global perspectives on systemic barriers in geoscience and strategies for driving inclusive excellence through policy, mentorship, and cultural change.
Convener: Claudia Jesus-Rydin
Co-conveners: Stefanie Kaboth-Bahr (ECS), Alberto Montanari, Hori S. Rie, Billy Williams
More info

🟣 US8: Gender in Geoscience
Friday, 02 May | 08:30–10:15 CEST | Room E1
This session takes a deep dive into gender diversity in the geosciences, focusing on the lived experiences of women, non-binary, and gender-diverse scientists. It addresses workplace culture, mentorship, policy change, and intersectionality, with a strong emphasis on collective action.
Convener: Anita Di Chiara
Co-conveners: Evguenia Roussak (ECS), Josue Millan (ECS)

🟣 Poster: Status and Progress of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity at EGU General Assemblies
Thursday, 01 May | 14:00–15:45 CEST | Hall X1, X1.184
This poster presents the latest insights into EGU’s progress on EDI, including data from 2015–2024 on participant demographics, participation modes, and award developments. Learn how hybrid formats and new initiatives are shaping a more inclusive EGU.
Authors: Johanna Stadmark, Alberto Montanari, Lisa Wingate
Abstract link

🟣 Poster: Tackling EDI-related Financial Barriers that Reduce Inclusivity at Geoscience Conferences with the EGU EDI Participation Support Scheme
Thursday, 01 May | 14:00–15:45 CEST | Hall X1, X1.185
This important presentation introduces EGU’s new 2025 EDI Participation Support Scheme. The scheme provides financial support for those facing barriers due to caregiving, disabilities, or career transitions—aiming to reduce exclusion from key conferences.
Authors: Lisa Wingate, Jane Hart, Jenny Turton, Patric Jacobs
Abstract link

You can view the full list of all EDI related events here.


As always, make sure not to overload yourself and take advantage of the Early Career Scientist’s Life-Work Balance group’s suggestions on how to take time for yourself at the meeting.

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Asmae Ourkiya (They/Them) is the Media and Communications Officer at EGU. They manage press releases, coordinate press participation and the press centre at the EGU General Assembly, and write and manage the EGU blogs. Asmae holds a Ph.D. in queer intersectional ecofeminism from MIC, University of Limerick in Ireland. Their research revolves around climate justice, and promotes inclusion and equality in climate governance.


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